New Voices Student Leaders Institute 2026

July 14 – 23, 2026 Online

Jump to:
• About the Institute
• How to Apply
• Meet the Class of 2026
• Read Reflections from the 2025 Class

About the Institute

SPLC is proud to host the annual New Voices Student Leaders Institute, a free online program for high school students to improve their leadership and organizing skills, develop their role as leaders within the New Voices movement, and identify the best strategy to expand student press freedom in their communities. 

Participants in the all-online program will be joined by SPLC staff, New Voices leaders, and special guests to learn their unique capacity as organizers, deepen their understanding of civics, lobbying and press freedom, and expand their ability to act as advocates. By the end of the Institute, Student Leaders will identify the pressing needs in their state and local communities and the unique ways in which students can respond, as well as possess the tools necessary to combat these challenges. 

Participation in the Institute is free, but students will commit to serve as student leaders in the New Voices movement during the 2026-2027 advocacy year. 

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in our program, applications for the 2026 New Voices Student Leaders Institute are now closed. For more information or to get involved with the New Voices movement, contact our Advocacy and Organizing Team at newvoices@splc.org.

Meet the Class of 2026

Arkansas

Bowen Darling – Little Rock Central High School

My name is Bowen Darling and I’m from Little Rock, AR. I attend Little Rock Central High School and am the social media editor on The Tiger staff, our school’s newsmagazine. I am also part of Ethics Bowl, but outside of school I enjoy playing piano, doing legos, and reading. I’ve been passionate about women’s and LGBTQ+ rights from a young age and our First Amendment rights tie right into that. Words and stories are extremely powerful and I’d love to help New Voices protect this power so new generations of journalists can focus on simply telling stories.

Erin Wright – Bryant High School

My name is Erin Wright and I’m from Bryant, Arkansas! I’m an upcoming co-editor for the Bryant High School yearbook staff, the Hornet, and am entering my senior year. I believe every person has a story worth telling and as journalists we should be able to do so without interference. I hope to gain more knowledge on my own rights as a journalist while learning how to lead others in a way that makes an impact.

California

Emma Alves – John Burroughs High School

My name is Emma Alves and I go to John Burroughs High School in Burbank. I feel like student voices are never truly heard. We are either ignored, forgotten, or censored. I’m not able to fix this problem by myself, but I want to be a part of the solution.

Maribelle Ganelis

Maribelle Ganelis is a homeschooler living in Los Angeles, California. As an avid reader, writer, and biology fan, she strives to combine her talents through creative writing. At age 10, Maribelle published her first novel, Door to Fairy Forest, available on Amazon print and kindle. The sequel to her first novel is expected to be published this summer. Her short stories are published in the Chrysalis Literary Journal and Writopia’s Anthology. Maribelle has given a TEDx Talk uncovering the myths and misconceptions of homeschooling, as well as a Writopia Talk about the opportunities that homeschooling hides and the personal voice it forms. Maribelle is also an editor for the Health section in Frontiers for Young Minds, striving to make scientific information accessible to young readers. She participated in several Los Angeles Biotech Center programs, researching stem cell science, which she hopes to continue. In May of 2025, Maribelle attended the 2nd Annual Writing Conference on SoMeDocs, participating in the Children’s Novel panel. This June, Maribelle will give a lecture on the way that Worldbuilding benefits the health and wellbeing of the mind.

At New Voices Student Leaders Institute, Maribelle strives to advocate for the homeschooling communities, communities of students with disabilities, and communities of students from immigrant families to represent the unique needs and voices. I hope to engage more students in conversations and dialogues to expand our understanding of these communities and eliminate the many biases students may encounter. Through New Voices Student Leaders Institute, I hope to combine my passions for writing, public speaking, and collaboration for the benefit of my communities.

Priya Tamura – Palo Alto High School

Hi, my name is Priya Tamura, and I’m a rising senior at Palo Alto High School in California. For the past two years, I’ve served as a reporter and Editor in Chief for my school’s online news publication, The Paly Voice. I developed a mobile news app and launched Paly Tiny Desk, a series spotlighting local musicians, to elevate and spread the voices of people in my community. Student journalists do vital work by documenting inequities and holding the powerful accountable, experiences that cultivate citizenship in a vibrant democracy. That is why, at New Voices, I hope to encourage young perspectives to be honestly expressed, and more importantly, seriously discussed through public forums like journalism.

Kaelyn Tan – Mountain View High School

Kaelyn Tan (she/her) is a senior at Mountain View High School in the Bay Area, where she serves as an in-depth editor for her school newspaper, The Oracle. Beyond the classroom, Kaelyn has developed an extensive reporting background as an intern for the Los Altos Town Crier and a print editor for the Midpeninsula Post. Her dedication to storytelling has taught her that impactful journalism begins with a profound commitment to listening. She believes that journalism is a vital catalyst for community empathy, uniquely capable of uncovering the nuanced complexities of issues that are rarely black-and-white. The New Voices initiative deeply resonates with Kaelyn because she is determined to uplift student perspectives nationwide, ensuring that the foundational essence of a free press is upheld.

Georgia

Isha Gupta – Alliance Academy for Innovation

Hi, my name is Isha, and I am a rising sophomore at Alliance Academy for Innovation who is passionate about advocacy and civic engagement because it allows me to create positive change in my community. As the daughter of immigrants from South and Southeast Asia, I have a global identity that encompasses many cultures. Journalism is important to me because it’s how I stay informed about current events, introducing me to new perspectives and allowing me to learn about issues that I care about like climate change, food insecurity, and women’s rights and want to help create change no matter how controversial. Reading books with valuable perspectives like Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and listening to podcasts like The NPR Politics Podcast and Planet Money by NPR that focus on objectivity and bringing light to underreported topics has shown me that storytelling can help connect people’s experiences across different backgrounds and cultures. Along with reading and writing, I enjoy volunteering as a teaching assistant, playing pickleball, practicing the clarinet, and learning new languages. As a girl of color, I feel strongly about New Voices because I believe that we need to protect student journalists from being censored as they are the future leaders of tomorrow.

Mira Thakkar – Lambert High School

Hi! My name is Mira Thakkar, and I am a rising senior at Lambert High School in Georgia. I write for The Lambert Post, my school’s newspaper, where I will serve as Editor-in-Chief for the 2026-2027 school year. Through my experiences in student journalism, I’ve seen what an impact it can have in informing communities and empowering youth. I see student journalism as a valuable and necessary component of ensuring media literacy and giving students a voice in what matters in their community. I am passionate about New Voices as it gives student journalists the right to exercise their right to press freedom. Through New Voices, I believe we can help make student voices all around Georgia heard.

Indiana

Teagan Schetzsle – Hamilton Southeastern High School

My name is Teagan Schetzsle and I am a rising junior from Fishers, Indiana. I am involved in both my school’s short film production program and student newspaper, where I have developed a strong passion for storytelling and student journalism. This past year I served as the producer of a feature-length film created entirely by students, an experience that taught me valuable lessons in leadership, organization, and collaboration. Through my experiences in student media, I have seen how important it is for students to have the freedom to tell meaningful stories and discuss issues that matter to them. New Voices gives students the platform and protections needed to advocate for change, especially in states like Indiana where those protections are still limited. I hope to use my voice and experiences to help expand opportunities for student journalists and filmmakers in my community.

Iowa

Kara Oberhue – Waterloo West High School

My name is Kara Oberheu and I am from Waterloo, Iowa! I am a rising junior from Waterloo West High School. I am currently a first year reporter on the school’s newspaper: Wahawk Insider, but in my future years plan to seek editorial positions. Outside of our journalism program I am extremely active in our Speech and Theatre program, choirs, Dance Marathon, International Baccalaureate program, and Waterloo Youth City Council. To me, being able to write for change or impact the lives of a community means everything. New Voices will allow me to provide the necessary tools for my publication but also strengthen my confidence in being a student journalist.

Massachusetts

Ainsley Jay – Wayland High School

Hi! My name is Ainsley Jay. I am a rising senior and Managing-Editor of my high school’s publication, Wayland Student Press Network. I am also the Founding Editor-in-Chief of my high school’s literary arts magazine The Willow. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, a state without New Voices Law, I am passionate about advocating for the passage of New Voices. Outside of school, you can find me Nordic skiing, watching ‘Derry Girls’ for the 17th time, spending time with her family, or finishing articles right before the deadline.

Missouri

Abel Lusk – Lees Summit High School

My name is Abel Lusk. I serve as Missouri Youth Governor and Print Editor-in-Chief of Hi-Life News. I feel strongly about New Voices due to an encounter with my district, where they attempted to violate my right to cover a protest.

Nebraska

Aidan McClaren – Gretna East High School

I’m Aidan McClaren, a student journalist from Gretna, Nebraska and a reporter for The Wingspan at Gretna East High School. I became involved in New Voices advocacy after my editorial cartoon criticizing ICE operations was censored by school administrators, which sparked a larger conversation about student press rights in Nebraska. That experience showed me how important independent student journalism is — not just for schools, but for democracy itself. I feel strongly about New Voices because students deserve the right to report honestly on issues affecting their communities without fear of censorship or prior restraint. Through journalism and advocacy, I hope to help create stronger protections for student voices across Nebraska and beyond.

New Jersey

Austyn Hackman – Delaware Valley Regional High School

My name is Austyn Hackmann, and I am a student journalist from a news desert area in New Jersey. I’m currently serving as a Managing Editor for my high school’s online publication, The Delphi. During my sophomore year, I have been lucky to have learned so much about community regarding our status when it comes to receiving community news. For example, coming into my Sophomore year, I had no idea what a news desert even was or that New Voices existed. However, after having a variety of unique learning experiences to discover more about my community, learning about New Voices, how news deserts are affected by censorship, and how I can help communities across the country overcome these struggles has become my new passion.

Miles Kim – Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan

Hey! My name is Miles Kim, and I’m a rising senior from North Jersey. I have been involved in my school newspaper since my sophomore year. I am extremely passionate about civic advocacy and youth involvement in the democratic process. Because we are not of voting age yet, student journalism is the best tool we have to create positive change in our communities. At a time when the free press is under attack on a national level and in our classrooms, I believe it is our responsibility to continue shedding light on important topics and speaking truth to power. Every student should be able to speak freely without fear of censorship or retaliation. I am excited to join this community of passionate student journalists and apply what I learn at New Voices to advocate for press freedom in New Jersey and beyond.

Amalia Ponomarev – Bergen County Academies

Hi! My name is Amalia Ponomarev, and I am a rising senior at Bergen County Academies in NJ, where I major in music. My love for music has led me to explore art not only through different genres but through varying perspectives, including those of censorship and conformity. This unexpected connection, along with my role as editor-in-chief of the student-run music magazine, The Euphonia, and editor of my high school’s newspaper, has sparked my interest in student press freedom and the importance of free expression in school communities. As a child of Soviet immigrants and a journalist myself, I have found that these freedoms must be actively defended in order to be maintained, and I believe that New Voices has created an incredible space for students to do just that. As I continue to study journalism through a legal lens, I hope to make an impact on student expression in my own school community, as well as the broader field of student journalism through advocacy and education.

New York

Lincoln Wayland – Haldane High School

I am Lincoln Wayland, a rising senior at Haldane High School from Cold Spring, New York. I am the founder and Editor-In-Chief of my school newspaper, The Haldane Outlook. I have dealt with attempted censorship from my school’s administration in the past, and am attempting to combat it going forward. I hope that by working with New Voices, I can prevent other students from experiencing similar problems from the educators who should be their staunchest supporters.

Ohio

Jessica Fike – Logan Elm High School

My name is Jessica Fike, and I’m a rising senior at Logan Elm High School in rural Ohio! While I’m primarily involved in organizational analysis and opinion reporting for the High School Democrats, and editing for its affiliate, Ohio High School Democrats, I recognize the pertinence of New Voices legislation in this day and age. My own school sponsors an emerging publication that I wasn’t even made aware of until late in the school year—but I intend to become a pivotal, influential voice for it in my senior year. I believe that journalism is a tool that wields tremendous power, and an essential linkage between students and the critical issues of society. Through New Voices legislation, I hope to work to safeguard the rights of student journalists in the Buckeye State, and foster an environment where underrepresented youth voices are allowed to be heard.

Piyush Kolekar

Hi, my name is Piyush Kolekar, and I am a student from Dublin, Ohio, passionate about ensuring young people have the freedom to share their perspectives without unnecessary censorship. I care deeply about the New Voices movement because I believe student voices are essential to creating more transparent and accountable school communities. Whether through writing, discussion, or advocacy, I’ve seen how powerful it can be when students use their voices. I want to help protect and expand those opportunities for others. Through this work, I hope to contribute to a culture where student expression is valued, not limited.

Pennsylvania

Anna Chen – State College Area High School

My name is Anna Chen, and I will be a sophomore for the school year of 2026-2027! I’m from State College, PA, and will soon be transitioning from serving as the Freshman Senate President to embracing the role of the Sophomore Senate President. I look forward to meeting other leaders in order to apply meaningful initiatives and action plans that will be beneficial to our community back here in our district! New Voices is an opportunity for me to develop my leadership skills and to make a positive impact in my community, where I can strengthen the impact that us students have in larger legal processes. I can’t wait to get to know everyone!


Tennessee

Gabi Flohr – St. George’s Independent School

I am Gabi Flohr from Memphis, Tennessee! I am a senior at St. George’s Independent School, where I am the Editor-in-Chief for my school’s publication, The Lodge. In Tennessee, there is still limited visibility around student press rights, and I’m eager to change that by advocating for other student journalists. I’m excited to work with other students across the U.S. who care about making student journalism something that is taken seriously and protected at both the regional and national levels.

Texas

Zara Bukhari – Bellaire High School

Hello! My name is Zara Bukhari, and I’m a rising senior at Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Texas. I’m an Editor-in-Chief for the Three Penny Press, my school’s publication, and I currently serve as a Legislative Officer for New Voices Texas. My love for journalism started with a curiosity about what was happening around me and has grown into a passion for advocating for student press rights and reporting on issues that affect my community directly. I strongly believe that young people should have a voice in conversations that impact them directly, and where student journalists have the freedom to pursue the truth in their reporting. With New Voices, I want to create a future where student voices are heard and respected!

Danielle Nalley – Kingwood Park High School

I’m an editor of the Kingwood Park Times newspaper at Kingwood Park High School in Kingwood, Texas. I believe communities in Texas deserve authentic and real world issues to be covered by all press – student or not. In communities like mine where we only have student press to cover local events it’s crucial that we as students be allowed to cover issues in our community without fear of being censored. We should be able to cover day to day issues without the fear of backlash from administrators and programs being cut.

Virginia

Sriram Chiripurapu – Rock Ridge High School

Hi! My name is Sriram Chiripurapu, and I am a junior at Rock Ridge High School in Ashburn. I will serve as the Features Editor for my school’s newspaper, The Blaze, for the year of 26-27. Through participating in my school’s newsroom, I was exposed to the egregious extent of censorship that student journalists are subject to. Through New Voices, I hope to expand protections to high school students across Virginia.

Nora Fitzpatrick – West Potomac High School

My name is Nora Fitzpatrick, and I’m the Co-Editor-in-Chief of my school newspaper, The Wire. I attend West Potomac High School in Alexandria, VA. Since getting involved with journalism, I’ve advocated for student press rights at both the county and state level. I’m someone who strongly believes that free speech is the backbone of our democracy, which is why it’s imperative we protect free speech within our schools through laws such as New Voices. Outside of journalism, I’m extremely passionate about local government and have interned with my school board member and participated in a fellowship program with my state senator. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music and attending concerts with my friends.

2025 Reflections

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